Arthritis remedies are a major concern in the 21st century. According to the CDC, 46 million Americans have been informed by their doctor that they have this painful disease. Shockingly, the CDC also estimates that 294,000 U.S. children under age 18 (or 1 in 250 children) have been diagnosed with arthritis or another rheumatologic condition! This is approximately 1/6 of our population so treating arthritis has to be a top priority for all of us and natural arthritis remedies are extremely popular because they don’t include the side effects from drugs.
Traditional Arthritis Pain Treatment: NSAIDs
Arthritis is technically joint inflammation, but actually includes 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect the tissues around the joints and other connective tissue, especially in the knees, ankles, fingers, hands and hips. Naturally, it’s very damaging to our health and body – and it can be incredibly painful! The most common arthritis pain treatment has been NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, especially Ibuprofen and aspirin.
Do these drugs work? Yes – for some people, but not all. And if taken for any lengthy duration, the side effects can be terrible:
Constipation …
Decreased appetite …
Diarrhea …
Digestive problems …
Dizziness …
Drowsiness …
Edema …
Headache …
Kidney failure …
Liver damage …
Nausea …
Rash …
Stomach bleeding …
Stomach ulcers …
Vomiting …
It is a relief to millions of people to discovered that there are now three natural – and healthy – ways to relieve pain.
Natural Arthritis Remedies: #1 Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is relatively unknown to most people, but it’s one of my very favorite supplements. The most common natural arthritis remedies for pain is Glucosamine (see below) but it didn’t work for me, even though it’s effective for many people. Astaxanthin, though, offered almost immediate relief for my right knee which had hurt, intermittently, for years. Within about two days the pain was less – and within 10 days to two weeks, it was completely gone!
Astaxanthin is a dark, reddish brown that is created by stressing algae. The algae itself is pink, like the color of lobsters or salmon. It is very kind to the human body and here are some reasons:
It benefits the brain
It’s an incredible antioxidant so destroys free radicals – some sources conclude it’s about 10 times more than any other
It’s an awesome anti-inflammatory, which is great for our joints
Natural Arthritis Remedies: #2 Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are often paired as a treatment of arthritis. It works for hundreds of thousands of people and repairs tissue:
It destroys or inhibits the enzymes that are destructive to our cartilage, so it prevents any more damage
It acts as a building block for cartilage, tendons and other connective tissues in the body, thus providing the best conditions for these natural ‘cushions’ to regenerate
One important caveat: glucosomine doesn’t work as well for most people when it’s taken alone. Time and again, studies show that the pair of ingredients is much more effective than either one alone. If you plan to experiment with these supplements, definitely try them together.
Natural Arthritis Remedies: #3 Yoga
Yoga is a natural arthritis treatment because there are yoga postures that put pressure on the joints and thus increase circulation to the painful area. For example, there is a yoga posture that I despise called The Downward Dog. I really hate doing it – but I have to admit that it’s great for any wrist, finger or hand pain. The way it works is that we place our hands flat on the floor while keeping our feet flat, and bending into a “V”.
Another yoga posture that is a natural treatment for arthritis is The Plank. This refers to the fact that the yoga practitioner does indeed look like a plank – her hands and toes are on the ground while she raises her entire body so that it resembles a piece of wood.
These are the kinds of yoga ‘asanas’ are natural remedies for inflammatory arthritis. It’s important to put our hands and feet flat on the floor and to spread our toes and fingers as wide as possible. The increased energy to these areas bring new energy and act as natural arthritis treatments – and in some cases, arthritis cures. At the very least, it will ease pain.
Every single sane person knows that drugs have side effects. Period. For this reason, anyone seeking an arthritis pain treatment certainly ought to consider natural methods first. Neither Glucosamine, Chondroitin or Astaxanthin have exhibited the slightest possible negative side effects. And as for yoga – well, it’s 5,000 years old and has a long-established history of safety.
Jordan M. says
Great read, thanks for the tips!
Karen Huff says
Natural therapies are popular today as people seek to control their health and healing. For those with RA, alternative techniques may let you have greater control of your pain and activities. Living with rheumatoid arthritis? You may qualify for this clinical research study